KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) – The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City is caring for more than 50 dogs and one cat rescued from alleged neglect in Texas — and many are already available for adoption.
Three-month-old Dobby is a perfect example of the transformation these animals have made in just two weeks.
When rescuers arrived at a home in Ballinger, Texas, on Feb. 3, Dobby was nearly bald with scabs around his neck, cowering in a corner by a hole in the wall. Now, his fur is growing back, he’s playful, and he no longer scratches constantly.
This is Dobby on the day the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City and the Humane World for Animals assisted the Runnels County Sheriff’s Office with the rescue of dozens of dogs and several ducks, chickens and horses from alleged neglect in Ballinger, Texas on Feb. 3, 2026.(Credit: Humane World for Animals)
“These animals went from being in survival mode 24/7 to now being comfortable enough to just start snoring in your arms,” said Sydney Mollentine, president and CEO of the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. “And then eventually, when he’s old enough, he’ll go into a home and be spoiled rotten. That is the best part.”
The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City deployed three trained team members to assist Humane World for Animals and the Runnels County Sheriff’s Office with the rescue of more than 70 animals from a residential property, including over 60 dogs and puppies, two horses, and several chickens, ducks and geese.
Overwhelming conditions
Responders described a scene of sensory overload when they entered the home.
“The moment you walk in, it hits you like a wall,” said Alex Gamez, Texas state director for Humane World for Animals. “Between the constant noise of barking, filth, odor and the chaos of dozens of dogs in overcrowded conditions, this scene is a complete sensory overload—I can only imagine the stress and suffering these animals have endured living like this.”
Inside, feces and urine coated much of the flooring and furniture. A strong ammonia smell permeated the home. Dogs had chewed through drywall, creating tunnel systems throughout the house.
Many dogs were severely underweight with protruding ribs and hip bones. Several suffered from hair loss and non-contagious demodectic mange. Veterinarians documented scars and wounds on various animals, likely from fights over scarce resources in the overcrowded conditions.
Among the most concerning discoveries: a litter of weeks-old puppies found alone in a dark closet without their mother, and a young female puppy with a head wound who was shivering, anemic and cowering as other dogs trampled around her.
From survival to snuggles
After law enforcement served a search and seizure warrant, the animals received emergency medical treatment at Operation Kindness in Texas before being transported to Kansas City on Feb. 7.
The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City deployed three trained team members to assist Humane World for Animals and the Runnels County Sheriff’s Office with the rescue of more than 70 animals from a residential property, including over 60 dogs and puppies, two horses, and several chickens, ducks and geese.(Credit: Humane World of Animals)
“For a good 24 hours, everybody slept,” Mollentine said. “They were so exhausted from running in survival mode for so long to be able to just rest and sleep and know that food is coming, water is coming, care is coming. You could just see their bodies just kind of relax.”
The court mandated that the property owners are not allowed to own any animals.
Mollentine explained how these situations escalate: “It only takes a matter of a couple of unfixed animals to make a litter, and then that litter makes a litter, and then that litter makes a litter, and we have 70 dogs.”
Specialized rescue partnership
The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City specializes in large-scale rescue operations and partners with national organizations like Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International) on cases across the country. The organization has trained team members specifically for these emergency deployments.
“They’ll call us and say, ‘Hey, we’ve got a mission. Can you help us with this?’” Mollentine said. “And nine times out of 10, we’re ready to rock and roll. We’re signing up and we’re showing up.”
Adoptions underway
The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City took in 52 dogs and one cat. The cat will be available for adoption soon. Several dogs are already cleared for adoption, with more becoming available as they complete medical treatment, spay/neuter procedures and recovery.
More than half of the rescued animals are currently in foster homes.
Mollentine emphasized that potential adopters should understand these animals will need patience and training. None had ever walked on a leash, responded to a name, or experienced typical human interaction.
“Everything is new for them,” she said. “They’ve lived their whole lives in a house with 60-plus other animals, and it’s going to take time for them to get used to their environment.”
The rescue will cost the organization approximately $40,000 in staffing, daily care and medical expenses. Humane World for Animals is covering travel and some medical costs as a partner organization.
The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City has a walk-in adoption center open seven days a week. Available dogs from the Texas rescue can be viewed at www.hsgkc.org, where visitors can also file an adoption interest.
The organization is accepting donations to support the ongoing care of these animals and future rescue operations.
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